PUPILS RACE TO LEARN ABOUT JOURNALISM & PHOTOGRAPHY AT GOODWOOD

24th May, 2013

Fifteen pupils from The Academy, Selsey were given a unique insight into the world of horseracing media, commentating and photography skills and careers at Goodwood Racecourse on 23rd May.  The children were participating in a ‘Press in Action’ day organised by the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) through their Racing to School scheme, in partnership with the Horserace Writers’ and Photographers’ Association (HWPA). 

The children were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to get behind the scenes at Goodwood, participating in activities in the Press Room and out on the track, working with journalists, commentators, photographers and announcers.  The children also learnt more about how to pursue a career in the media and gained inspiration from individuals currently working in the industry.

The Press in Action day was the brainchild of the HWPA’s President and Ascot’s official photographer Steven Cargill, following initial contact from BHEST.  The HWPA Committee and the Racing to School team were keen to explore how they could work together to inspire the media and photography professionals of the future in racing and beyond.  The Racing to School programme supports the learning of over 10,000 children through behind the scenes educational days at their local racecourse, trainer’s yard or stud and introduces them to the world of horseracing and the many career opportunities within it.   

The Racing to School team have been working closely with the HWPA to create a day that gives pupils a unique, practical insight into a media or photography career in the racing industry and beyond as well as supporting BHEST’s aims of improving children’s skills and confidence through a range of practical literacy and numeracy challenges. 

BHEST’s Lead Education Officer Ollie McPhail who ran the day in partnership with Steven Cargill said, “The HWPA, their associates and the journalists, commentators and photographers on the ground at Goodwood today have all worked exceptionally hard to create a unique day for pupils from The Academy, Selsey.

The team at Goodwood Racecourse have also played a fantastic role in the day, giving the children unprecedented behind the scenes access which has really helped bring media careers to life.”
Charlie aged 14 said, “Amazing! I loved learning all about the different types of media, using the cameras and going in the press box.”

Chloe aged 15 said, “It was a great experience.  It has really opened my eyes to the different types of jobs involved in the horseracing industry.  My favourite part was going to the starting stalls and taking photographs.”

Pupils from The Academy, Selsey find out more about a career as a racecourse photographer from Steven Cargill, President of the HWPA and Ascot's official photographer.